American public opinion played a significant role in the Iraq conflict in 2003.
In 2003, American public support for the United States' use of military in Iraq was very high. According to PEW Research, over 70% of those surveyed believed that it was the right decision to use military force in Iraq. In 2003, Americans believed that Iraq possessed "weapons of mass destruction." Military action was seen as the only way to rid then- leader...
American public opinion played a significant role in the Iraq conflict in 2003.
In 2003, American public support for the United States' use of military in Iraq was very high. According to PEW Research, over 70% of those surveyed believed that it was the right decision to use military force in Iraq. In 2003, Americans believed that Iraq possessed "weapons of mass destruction." Military action was seen as the only way to rid then- leader Saddam Hussein of them. In a January 2003 poll conducted by CBS news, 85% of those polled believed that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and was not cooperating with United Nations inspectors' attempts to find them. In that same poll, a majority of Americans believed that the United States was losing respect in the world. These elements help to explain how public opinion played a significant role in American military action against Iraq.
In 2003, the American public was still reeling from the attacks of September 11, 2001. Polling in 2003 reveals that some of this anger fueled the desire to use military force in Iraq. It also helped to underscore how the fear of Iraq's use of weapons of mass destruction convinced Americans of the need to use military force. While 2003 polling data reveals support for the American incursion, these numbers begin to decrease as the war became more protracted and victory became more nuanced.
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